Chapter 43 – Do I Get Paid for This?

Yu Mozhi paused and looked down at the little dumpling curled up in his arms.

Little Jinli was very clever. Back when she was looking for her dad, she had even gone to find a police officer. The officer had especially explained to her that those people who smile brightly and try to lure children away with candy are usually bad people—child abductors. Kids must not go with anyone without their family’s knowledge.

They didn’t even limit it to strangers anymore. They had handled a few cases where even family relatives could be more ruthless than strangers.

He told her that a cute little girl like her would easily become a target if no one protected her.

If someone kidnapped Mianmian, then she’d lose the dad she worked so hard to find—and Mianmian absolutely didn’t want that!

Director Kong’s creepy-uncle-like smile suddenly froze.

The assistant director couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter.

Even Liu Wu on the side was struggling not to laugh. He stood there awkwardly, holding back his amusement.

“I’m not a creepy uncle, Mianmian, haha…” Director Kong scratched the back of his head, looking a little embarrassed as he glanced at Yu Mozhi.

“Sorry, Director Kong. The industry’s too chaotic. I don’t think it’s suitable for children.”

Especially with his current situation—if he let little Mianmian act, wouldn’t he be throwing her straight into the fire?

Hearing Yu Mozhi’s rejection, Director Kong looked disappointed. “Think it over again. I really think Mianmian is a genius—it’d be such a waste if she never got the chance to shine, don’t you think? Plus, her role isn’t that big. It would wrap up quickly. The pay and everything else can be negotiated too. And considering your current situation isn’t so great either… I remember there were contract issues with Years of Radiance. I even dropped the project entirely because of that. All the evidence is still here. When you’re terminating your contract, I can help you out.”

Seeing that Yu Mozhi was still about to refuse, the assistant director spoke up after a pause, “We’ve worked in this industry for years. You can trust us on the safety aspect, Movie King Yu. Or why don’t we ask little Mianmian if she likes it?”

Director Kong latched onto that idea like he’d found a lifeline. He looked toward the little sweetheart. “Mianmian, how did you make that expression just now?”

“Which one…?” The little dumpling tilted her head, confused. She thought for a moment, then lowered her head slightly, lifted her small face partway, and let the smile fade from her lips. Her soft lips pressed together as the shadow of her bangs happened to fall over her eyes, cleverly dimming the light in them. Her soft, fluffy voice remained steady, “Like this one?”

Just that one sentence instantly gave both directors goosebumps.

“Yes, yes, yes! That’s exactly the feeling!”

Little Jinli hugged her daddy’s neck, rubbing her little face against Yu Mozhi’s cheek. “Because Daddy always reads books to Mianmian! Even though Mianmian can’t read many words, I listen to everything!”

What a sweet and sticky little cutie.

Her nuzzling instantly eased the frown on Yu Mozhi’s face. She had a whole set of tricks for charming people.

“Mianmian, do you like acting?” Director Kong’s voice grew tense with anticipation, trying to coax and please her. “Like what your dad just did.”

“I do! Mianmian thinks it’s super fun! I even startled Daddy just now!” The little dumpling puffed up her chest a bit and spoke with pride.

She was a born drama queen, always full of flair. She could sing praises of her dad without blinking an eye. Liu Wu, watching from the side, silently covered his face.

“And also…” Yu Mozhi noticed her eyes suddenly light up and had a strange feeling in his heart. Sure enough, that little mouth started chirping away:
“Mianmian wants to retire one day! Do I get paid for this?”

(End of Chapter)